Recently, we had a client request to export their FileMaker solution into CSV files with field names. The solution had a sizable number of tables, though doable manually, it inspired me to look for a more automated method. Much to my dismay, a script or module that fit our needs did not present itself. But I learned quite a bit about FileMaker exporting in the process.
Relationships are the basis of relational database design. When set up properly, table relationships will ensure your database runs like a well oiled machine. However, sometimes we run into systems where relationship keys are open to the user, exposing data to the risk of human error if a relationship is changed improperly. It’s sometimes desirable to refactor these relationships to use a proper artificial key relationships to connect tables, a laborious task depending on the size of your database. This post discusses a convenient trick to populate Primary Keys, a reminder about mismatched data types, and a modular script to help populate foreign keys when refactoring a key relationship.
We had an interesting request on a recent project where the client wanted to navigate two portals on a layout using the keyboard. The portals needed to be setup in a way that makes them appear to be one large portal with a static header row in the middle. The client also wanted the interface design to allow for very fast data entry. We concluded that using the navigational keys to navigate the portal would be the best choice, since it performed similar to navigating a spreadsheet.
FileMaker 17’s new ‘Master Detail’ interface object allows the user to see and interact with a portal of the current found set and the detail of a single record at the same time. It can be very helpful in allowing the user to work with their data in a detail view, while staying in the context of a list of records. It’s easy to implement and even easier for users to navigate. Though the portal is handy when it’s being used, it’s often taking up valuable real estate when not in use. So, we’ve developed a helpful enhancement on the basic Master Detail implementation that utilizes the slide-control panel to show and hide the Master Detail portal when not in use, while still allowing quick access when it’s needed.
It’s been 3 years since our post “Hashtags in FileMaker”, so we decided to give the demo a bit of a refresh and add a few features.
The current incarnation of our Blog was first published 6 years ago. During that time we’ve posted a lot of blog articles, included a number that include sample files that demonstrate a variety of techniques and ideas for features in FileMaker.
